(For goodness sake, Millsy. Can't believe you've got me doing this. Just when I thought that getting you to write a PDR was the most challenging thing...). I was Anna's line manager for nearly 5 years. She was fantastic. She had a grace and integrity that she couldn't see. She was clever and blunt and I had to waggle a half-joking, disapproving finger at her on more than one occasion. I absolutely loved watching her grow - it sounds ridiculous to describe a woman who was 10 years older than me in that way, but she never stopped trying to learn, and better herself, in her job. As I re-read that sentence I'm starting to tear up - again - because I've just realised that she inspired me. She will always be an inspiration to me. I've never met anyone who was so terrified of change and yet charged at it with such strength, becoming a role model for those around her who might have been similarly struggling. Two memories stand out. 1) There was a big change at work. She felt her fear, she talked it through with me, and then through doing so she realised how to get through it: by reaching out and supporting colleagues who felt the same as her. It was like a lightbulb moment, I remember watching her figure it out. In that role of scaffolding others she found a place that felt true and worthy to her. Yet she still wouldn't want to acknowledge how big her heart was. 2) I once had to take some time off work to deal with a traumatic personal situation. When I returned, a potted orchid was sat on my desk, with no note. Anna finally owned up to the gift. She also offered me an enormous, squashy hug. I can't describe how much that meant to me, coming from her. Always, always inspired. Be at peace now, please. xxx